Black Masala, Trains and Moonlight Destinies Review

World

Black Masala, Trains and Moonlight Destinies Review

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Black Masala is a Washington DC based world music band that combines world rhythms, and colors it with second-line, bhangra, and funk horn parts and vocal harmonies. Black Masala offers hints of Arabic pop and influence from Romania and Serbia. Started by drummer and vocalist Mike Ounallah in his basement, the band expanded rapidly, finally finding a stable roster of skilled players that allowed him to set the instrumentation that captured the full energy of the music he loves. Along the way, they recruited the versatile, gutsy vocalist Kirsten Long and everything from a tuba player to an electric guitarist. The band is: Mike Ounallah on drums and vocals, Kristen Long on vocals and percussion, Brendan Schnabel on tenor and soprano saxophone, Michael DiCiurci on sousaphone, Kirsten Warfield on trombone, Chris Lee on guitar,and Duff Davis on guitar. Black Masala has a new album out titled, Trains and Moonlight Destinies. It contains nine tracks that cover a wide view of world music influences, all with a sharp emphasis on fun danceable feels, in a party ready atmosphere. That’s the short of it!

 

Positives:

Nice mix of covers and originals. Balkan and Romany music are covered, with “Chaje Shukaje” a rousing number from Macedonian musical icon Esma Redzepova. The originals are a fun exploration of styles.

Bottom Line:

Black Masala captures the energy of a festive party on their new album, Trains and Moonlight Destinies. The band brings us high energy music with an eclectic world influence ranging from Balkan, funk, soul, gypsy and punk. With a mixture of vocalist, the band is able to develop a robust vocal sound that is varied and entertaining. With the additive of horns over the driving percussion, you have a recipe for plenty of celebration. The band has excellent songwriting skills and the chops to deliver the music with passion and flare, don’t miss this train!

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